The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week recognized a landfill gas recovery project developed by a partnership between the Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority, Turkey Hill Dairy, Catepiller, Inc. and PPL for its greenhouse gas reductions.

"Across the nation, EPA is helping transform landfill waste into energy wealth," said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "We are recognizing partners who have demonstrated superior innovation and environmental achievement in advancing landfill gas energy projects."

The Authority voluntarily installed 20,000 feet of piping, tying together the collection systems of co-located landfills. Two Caterpillar 3520 engines, installed and operated by PPL and fueled by landfill gas, generate 3,200 kilowatts of electricity. Boilers capture the heat from the engines generating steam for Turkey Hill Dairy—the well known maker of ice cream, milk, and tea products.

The project’s benefits include: steam for Turkey Hill Dairy that offsets 225,000 gallons (80 percent) of the diesel fuel they did use, annual greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to planting 38,200 acres of forest, removing the emissions of 26,800 vehicles, or preventing the use of 324,900 barrels of oil, annual energy savings equate to powering 2,000 homes, and estimated emission reductions of 37,800 metric tons of carbon equivalents. The project will generate power for the next 25 years.

As a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Lancaster Authority is voluntarily making a legally binding commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by six percent by 2010, using 2006 as a baseline.

The Lancaster Authority is the first public environmental services organization in the United States to become a member of the CCX—the world’s first voluntary, legally binding, multi-sector market for reducing and trading greenhouse gas credits.

"PPL is committed to environmental excellence, and we're proud to be a part of this project, which is providing green energy and reducing emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas," said Steve Gabrielle, business development manager of PPL Energy Services.

EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program is a voluntary assistance and partnership program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by supporting landfill gas energy project development. The program also assists countries throughout the world in developing landfill methane reduction projects through the international Methane to Markets Partnership.

“The partnership between PPL, Turkey Hill Dairies, and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority is a perfect example of three organizations coming together for the common good,” said former Rep. Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster).

For more information and a list of the other winners, visit the Landfill Methane Outreach Program webpage.

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